Is there any place where a general contractor can buy building supplies, appliances, etc. for wholesale?

Question

Either nationally (mail order) or locally (in the VA or DC area).

Something like that Direct Buy that they advertise on TV, though I'm looking for a legit business, not a scam.

Answer 1

You want to know where contractors buy their stuff? (If you were one, you would know already, unless you just started)

Contractors buy from wholesalers or the company that makes the stuff. You want to buy appliances like stoves and refrigerators? Go to the website of the big makers like Whirlpool and find out where the nearest wholesalers are if you can't find them in the Yellow pages. If you are building a house, for instance, go talk to the boss on the house being built down the street, "Hey, where do you get your best deal on ---?" They'll talk. They may also tell you who gave them their worst deal just to play with you, but even there ask one of the other customers "Where do you get your best deal on --------?"

Then there are the trade and industry publications and websites. First you find the place that makes the stuff you want, then you find from them who sells it nearby (and if there is more than one start asking both for prices, availability, delivery, etc. because some may have it and others don't--I saw one sell stuff that the other had, tacked on a little extra, then went to the other to buy it)

It doesn't take much looking to find them unless you are asking for something really special and unique. As for non-commercial, your private use, DirectBuy is about as good as it will get. You can contact me for some specific ideas if you are really in business and it isn't coming together.

Answer 2

If they have them in your area, Habitat for Humanitly Restore. You may not be able to get what you need all the time because what they sell is based off of donations, but when you can you can get the items for very inexspensive. Plus if you get to know the employees they may call you when they get stuff that you need in. Also look into other places like this, they differ from area to area but work on donated items. Plus they are for a good cause.

Answer 3

home depot or menards